Researchers highlight GPS vulnerability

BERLIN  A group of Virginia Tech and Cornell University researchers have underlined a vulnerability in GPS navigation by "spoofing" GPS receivers.

"Spoofing" is a term used in the radar community for the transmission of fake GPS signals that receivers accept as authentic ones.

The researchers modified equipment to send out a false signal, which a navigation device took for the real thing.

By demonstrating the vulnerability of receivers to spoofing, the researchers believe that they can help devise methods to guard against such attacks.

“Our goal is to inspire people who design GPS hardware to think about ways to make it so the kinds of things we’re showing can be overcome,” said Mark Psiaki, Cornell professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering.

Handheld GPS receivers are popular for their usefulness in navigating unfamiliar highways or backpacking into wilderness areas. But GPS is also embedded in the world’s technological fabric. Such large commercial enterprises as utility companies and financial institutions have made GPS an essential part of their operations.

“GPS is woven into our technology infrastructure, just like the power grid or the water system,” said Paul Kintner, electrical and computer engineering professor and director of the Cornell GPS Laboratory. “If it were attacked, there would be a serious impact.”